Flags are being flown at half mast across Cheshire East as a mark of respect following the tragedy at the mill.

The flag above Macclesfield town hall is among those lowered by council bosses, who have praised the reaction of the community following the incident.

Cheshire East bosses said council officers had a key role to play after the blast ripped through the mill.

They said families had been evacuated from around 20 homes.

Council staff were sent to help evacuated families and a ‘family and friends’ centre was set up.

Congleton Leisure Centre was put on standby to provide transport and the council arranged accommodation for families at local hotels.

The council is working to find other job opportunities after offers of employment were made by local companies.

Council leader Michael Jones Coun Jones has urged all other businesses and organisations to do the same.

He said: “We’re doing all we can to help those affected after a devastating incident like this.

“There are families whose homes have been damaged and they have had to be relocated to emergency accommodation.

“This is a small community with the factory at its heart.”

After the explosion, the council issued a warning to residents to keep doors and windows shut to protect them from toxic fumes and officers were sent to monitor the air.

Children at Bosley St Mary’s Primary School – which has around 40 pupils – about a mile from the scene were kept inside the building and the council’s Adult Social Care Team has made contact with vulnerable residents in the area.

A drop-in facility for people affected by the incident was set up at the school on Monday, with specialists providing support on housing, employment and benefits.